Public Information Assistant - II

There are currently two permanent, full-time vacancies for Public Information Assistant - II with Placer County.

Sheriff's Office: This position is responsible for representing the Sheriff's Office before the news media during critical incidents, emergencies, and community and department events. It will also require a strong understanding of the principles involved in the effective use of social media and preparation of social media content. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work odd or unusual hours during emergencies or other situations requiring Public Information services. In addition, the ideal candidate will be able to create and articulate messaging for the Sheriff's Office on relevant issues to be shared with the media.

County Executive Office: This position is responsible for assisting with a wide variety of communication projects in support of Placer County's public information program.

The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill future vacancies as they arise.

To assist with a wide variety of communication projects in support of the county’s public information program; to write public information materials; and to provide staff assistance to the Public Information Officer and/or higher level supervisory or management staff.

This is the full journey level class within the Public Information Assistant series.  This class is distinguished from the Public Information Assistant I by the assignment of the full range of duties and employees are expected to operate with a great deal of independence.  Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.  Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

Receives general direction from higher level supervisory or management staff.

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Research and write news releases, newsletter articles, brochures, fliers, and other materials in support of the public information effort.
• Assist in planning, organizing, staffing and managing logistical details of county special events, community outreach activities, employee activities and significant projects.
• Take photographs, attend events, research, write copy and provide logistical support for the employee newsletter.
• Update and maintain the county’s internet web site.
• Provide logistical support to the county’s video project and other media projects.
• Respond to a wide variety of questions from the public, helping them to obtain correct information about technical topics.
• Provide support to the public information officer with office duties such as scheduling meetings, maintaining files and office organization, correspondence, and updating lists.
• Attend occasional night or weekend meetings; assist in providing public information in time of emergency; travel to any Placer County location for occasional work-related duties.
• Build positive working relationships with the public and other county employees, using principles of good customer service.
• Contact businesses, civic organizations and people in leadership positions in conjunction with county projects or issues.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience: Two years of experience performing public information work similar to that of a Public Information Assistant I with Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in English, journalism, marketing, communication, public relations, or a related field.

License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

NOTE: Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Human Resources Department.

NOTE: Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of communications and journalism.
• Principles of good customer service.
• Techniques used in preparing and delivering effective oral and written presentations.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Computer software programs such as word processing, graphical design or layout programs, and/or internet web page maintenance or design.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations and laws.
• Principles and practices used within a public information function.

Ability to:

• Operate office machines, such as facsimiles and copiers.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time. Intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel or twist to observe emergency conditions and/or provide on-site public information; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and use a keyboard to communicate through written means.
• Learn photography, and use of other audio-visual tools.
• Learn and interpret complex information about a variety of county programs and issues.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Learn to perform independent research or an interview, then analyze and explain detailed information in a meaningful way.
• Handle multiple project assignments, analyze and establish priorities, and maintain the flexibility to change priorities often as required.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work odd or unusual hours during emergency or disaster situations requiring Public Information services.
• Interpret and apply County and Department policies, procedures, rules and regulations; interpret complex information about a variety of county programs and issues.
• Perform independent research or an interview, then analyze and explain detailed information in a meaningful way.
• Effectively use photography, videography and other audio-visual tools.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants for this classification must complete and pass a background check (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph) and pre-employment psychological and medical examinations, including a drug screening, prior to appointment. All applicants must sign a constitutional oath, submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S., and be fingerprinted. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age or be bonded.

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and those in management and confidential groups, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view benefits for Management bargaining unit